Clarke appointed vice provost for Diversity and Inclusion

Executive Vice President and Provost Pam Benoit sent the following message to the University Community on Tuesday, Oct. 22, regarding the appointment of a new vice provost for Diversity and Inclusion.

Dear University Community,

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Shari Clarke, Ph.D., as vice provost for Diversity and Inclusion following a national search.

Shari joins us from Marshall University, where she is the vice president for Multicultural Affairs. In her capacity at Marshall, she has developed programs to increase and retain diverse cultures, engaged the community in partnerships to create a welcoming climate and supervised Marshall's Center for African American Students Programs, the Women's Center and the Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgender & Other office.

Shari is a "roll up your sleeves" leader, as evidenced by the many innovative programs she has successfully created and implemented over her career. INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine awarded her office with the Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award in 2012 and she has received national acclaim for the graduation rates of Marshall's African-American students. Shari has experience with projects related to preventing sexual violence and increasing respect for women in academia and the workplace. She is a graduate of HERS, Summer Institute for Women in Higher Education, which is run through Bryn Mawr College. During her time as the Special Assistant to the President for Diversity and Equity at the University of Nebraska, Shari convened University-wide committees on Gender Equity and Diversity, as well as organized and chaired Honoring Women's Voices. This was the first University of Nebraska Women's Conference.

During the interview process, it became apparent that Shari brings enthusiasm for working with all members of the campus community and has a clear affinity with students. Shari will be filling the position currently held by Interim Vice Provost for Diversity and Inclusion David Descutner. David stepped into the role following Brian Bridges departure in early 2012 and has been dividing his time between the position, his place as dean of University College, and his role as Executive Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education.

Shari will begin her work at Ohio University on January 13, 2014. Please join me in welcoming Dr. Clarke to Athens and to the Ohio University community.